Filming is officially underway on My Darling California, the upcoming crime thriller from Magazine Dreams writer-director Elijah Bynum, with an impressive ensemble cast now shooting across California.
The film stars Oscar winner Jessica Chastain alongside Chris Evans, Chris Pine, Oscar winner Mikey Madison and Oscar nominee Don Cheadle. The project is set in 1980 Los Angeles and is being described as an American noir exploring ambition, greed, violence and the darker side of California.
At the centre of the story is a single crime that connects the lives of a fallen television news anchor, her unfaithful televangelist husband, two small-time criminals, an ex-con and an aspiring country music star. As their individual ambitions and desires collide, the characters become caught in an increasingly complicated web of crime, seduction and deceit.
The production is taking place entirely in California, marking a return to the state for Bynum following his work on Magazine Dreams.
The project previously made headlines when Evans joined the cast, replacing Josh Brolin after the actor departed because of scheduling conflicts. Evans now reunites with Pine on screen, bringing together two actors who have become particularly recognisable for their blockbuster work.
Behind the camera, BlacKkKlansman cinematographer Chayse Irvin is serving as director of photography, while Anthony Gasparro, who recently worked on Materialists, is the production designer. Euphoria costume designer Natasha Newman-Thomas is also part of the creative team.
The production has also secured additional financing from 1Community and Access Entertainment. Anton is producing, backing and handling international sales for the film, with Anton and CAA Media Finance jointly representing U.S. and global rights.
My Darling California has received the second-largest allocation in the latest round of California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program for independent films, further supporting its production in the state.
Producers include David Hinojosa, Alex Coco and Sébastien Raybaud, alongside Scott Budnick and Ameet Shukla of 1Community and Emily Blavatnik and Danny Cohen of Access Entertainment. Len Blavatnik and Zach Nutman are executive producing.
With its 1980s Los Angeles setting, sprawling ensemble and noir-inspired story, My Darling California is shaping up as an ambitious new feature from Bynum, bringing together a cast that spans acclaimed dramatic performances and major Hollywood franchises.
A release date has yet to be announced.
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